OEMS 


Frederick   James  Allen 


POEMS 

AC 


BY  FREDERICK  JAMES  ALLEN 


FRANKLIN  FALLS,  N.  H. 


CONTENTS 


Prospice 7 

SONNETS. 

The  Wood  Thrush n 

St.  Cecilia 13 

Dartmouth  Harbor 14 

The  Swallow 16 

Longfellow 17 

Mark  Hopkins 18 

"  Sunset  and  Evening  Star" 19 

OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Poem 23 

Class  Ode 37 

Centennial  Ode 39 

Song 41 

SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE. 

Ye  Everlasting  Hills 47 

Land  of  the  Free 49 

A  Story  of  the  Revolution 51 

Sweet  Peas 53 

A  Song 54 

Sir  Galahad 56 

Hills  of  Hiram 58 


vi  CONTENTS 

PAGE. 

Quechee 60 

Maiden,  Tell  Me 62 

To  a  Robin.  64 

A  Pictu  re 66 

Hyacinths 67 

The  Religious  Teacher 69 

Sleep 70 

Time 72 

Ideality 74 

Kmerson 75 

God's  Angel  Hath  Passed  By 76 

Invocation 78 

Worship 80 

Vespers 81 

FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

The  Sun  I  Questioned 87 

Mignon 88 

Heart,  My  Heart,  Be  Not  Downcast 90 

The  Stars  of  the  Night 91 

My  Heart 93 

The  Brooklet < 94 

The  Heart 95 


PRO  SPICE. 

Like  a  star  when  night  is  nigh, 
Beaming,  beckoning  on  high, 

Fell  upon  my  sight  a  vision 
Coming  from  a  land  elysian. 

Like  a  bird's  wing  passing  by, 

Like  a  cloudlet  in  the  sky, 
Fled  it  from  my  burning  thought 

And  for  a  day  I  see  it  not. 

Yet  build*  my  heart,  serene  in  knowing 
God's  light-fount  fails  not  in  flowing, 

And  thy  way  shall  be  attended 
Ever  by  the  vision  splendid. 


POEMS 


SONNETS 


i. 

THE    WOOD    THRUSH. 

f:HEX  westward  knv  descends  the  sun's 

red  car 
A  lingering  woodland  note  my  heart 

enthralls; 

O  hark !   O  list !   It  is  the  wood  thrush  calls 
From  out  the  forest  dim  ;  and  sweet  afar 
The  ripple  glides  to  greet  the  evening  star, 
As  when  upon  enchanted  mountain  walls 
Soft  wind-harps  sound,  or  fairy  music  falls 
In  stilly  hours  beneath  the  moon's  pale  bar. 

O  vesper  singer  in  thy  sylvan  glades, 

What  gift  is  thine,  how  thrills  the   enrap- 
tured air 

Beneath  the  burden  of  thy  song !   O,  cease 
Not  while  on  field  and  forest  deep  the  shades 


12  SONNETS 

Of  night  are  mantling  down  ;  but,  singing 

there, 

To  all  the  hushed   and   listening   earth 
give  peace. 


ST.  CECILIA  13 


II. 
ST.    CECILIA. 

f    PATIENT     face,    divinely     fair     and 
sweet, 

That  didst  not  quail  at  wrath  of  infidel, 

But  steadfast  gazedst  up  where  angels  dwell, 

And  whence,  on  shining  wings,  earth's  wants 

they  meet ; 
Thou  livest  still,  though  heart  hath  ceased  to 

beat. 

The  fountain  of  thy  Roman  blood  did  well 
To  keep  the  faith  of  Christ;  the  far  years 

tell 
The  story  which  these  pictured  lips  repeat: 

On  canvas  or  in  marble  live  again, 

And  speak  to  us,  the  martyred  souls  of  eld. 

The  measure  of  the  love  of  man  for  man 
Is  life;  of  man  for  God,  life  not  withheld 

When  duty  calls,  until  high  heaven's  plan 
Be  clearly  understood  and  sin  be  quelled. 


14  SONNETS 


III. 
DARTMOUTH    HARBOR. 

fEAR  after  year   the  morning    light  soft 
lies 
Along    Cornwall    on    wave-beat    cliff 

and  scar ; 

Year  after  year  the  evening  sun  afar 
Casts  lingering  sheen  where  warring  breakers 

rise. 

Untiring  on  swift  wing  the  seabird  flies, 
While    calmly,   constant   as   the    gleaming 

star, 

The  river  Dart  rolls  to  the  harbor  bar, 
And  mirrors  clouds  in  over-smiling  skies. 

Crusaders  gathered  here  in  time  of  old, 

And   hence   sailed   vaunting   barks  to    far 

Calais, 

Or  toward  the  western  world.     Hearts  that 
were  bold 


DAR  TMO  UTH  HARBOR  15 

Are  silent  now,  while  cliff  and  tower  decay. 
The  spirit  of  the  fathers  is  not  cold, 
And  lives  the  olden  faith  in  us  today. 


NOTE  : — Dartmouth  harbor  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Dart, 
in  Cornwall,  England.  Navigable  for  a  distance  of  only  five 
miles,  this  river  presents  some  of  the  most  beautiful  scenery 
in  all  England.  From  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  comes  the 
name  of  Dartmouth  college,  and  in  the  college  library  hangs 
a  painting  of  the  harbor,  suggesting  this  sonnet.  F.  j.  A. 


j  6  SONNETS 


IV. 
THE   SWALLOW. 

[HEN   summer  scarce  had  touched  the 

vale  and  hill 
With  gentle,  odorous    breath,  back- 
ward one  day 

The  bird  of  passage  came  from  far  away 
And  sought  his  old  nest  in  the  barn.     There 

still 
His  merry  notes  the  dusty  arches  fill, 

At  dawn  or  noon  or  when  the  shadows  play 
Along  the  valley  dim.     Like  morning  ray 
His  flashing  wing,  from  dizzy  height  until 
He  dashes  into  ripples  myriad 

The  lakelet's  level  brim.      Full  happiness 
And  endless  summer  are  his  lot,  or  here 
Or  in  the  sunny  southern  lands,  where  glad 
He  flies  so  soon  ere  winter  comes ;  largesse 
Of  life  is  his  amid  the  changing  year. 


LONGFELLOW  17 


V. 
LONGFELLOW. 

ISHHE  midnight  shadows  darkened  all  the 

Nor  pierced  a  solitary  star  the  gloom, 
With  kindly  ray  my  pathway  to  illume ; 
Yet  look, — above  the  hills  there  lightly  lie 
Soft  tints  of  the  approaching  morn,  and  I 
Am  cheered;  yet  hark, — the  forest's  leafy 

room 
Resounds  with  matin  song,  and  love  and 

home 
Do  fondly  swell  within  my  bosom  high. 

So  wandering  through  our  nation's  nascent 

days 

I  sought  some  promise  of  the  dawn  of  song ; 
The  hills  became  aglow  with  gentle  lays 
Of    lesser    bards;    but  list,    sweet  strains 

prolong 

That  tender  voice ;  and  men  no  longer  praise, 
But    love    the    Laureate    of    the    Human 
Throng. 


i8  SONNETS 


VI. 
MARK    HOPKINS. 

•^WW^EN  deified  their  heroes  aye  of  old 
ilsgi^         When   life   was    done,    and   in    fair 

marble  wrought 
Feature  and  form,   and  set  each   burning 

thought 

On  tabled  brass  or  stone.     So  we  do  hold 
Our  leaders  to  be  godlike,  so  have  enrolled 
Their  names  upon  our  hearts,  by  them  are 

brought 

Nearer  the  fount  of  life.     This  is  the  lot 
Of  kingly  souls  who  live  for  man,  not  gold. 

O  thou  in  manhood  and  in  service  great, 
Exemplar  teacher  of  our  time,  may  He 
Who  strength  and  inspiration  gave  to  thee 

Help  us,  thy  followers,  to  emulate 
The  qualities  heroic  and  divine 
Which  by  world-wide  consent  of  men  were 
thine. 


'  'SUNSE  T  AND  E  VENING  STAR  "      19 


VII. 
"SUNSET   AND   EVENING   STAR." 

f  UNSET    and    evening  star;     thus    sung 
one  whom 

A  nation  honored  as  its  laureate, 
And  who  gave  glory  to  a  people  great. 
Twilight    and    evening    bell ;    there    was    no 

gloom 

Beyond  the  tide  for  him,  but  spacious  room 
Where  God  Eternal  and  his  angels  wait. 
And  one  clear  call ;  master  of  life  and  fate 
The    bard    whose    pathway    heavenly    lights 
illume. 

With  thought  sublime,  with  words  of  won- 
drous grace, 

And  with  o'ermasteriug  faith, sung  Tennyson 
As  he  drew  near  the  bound  of  time  and  space, 

And  heard  the  calling  o'er  the  sea  whereon 
He  passed  to  meet  his  Pilot  face  to  face, 

And  be  forevermore  before  the  throne. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS 


VIII. 
POEM. 

Read  at  the  Fourth  Decennial  Re-union  of  Limington  Academy, 
Limingtou,  Maine.  Wednesday,  August  20,  1890. 

§EAR  Alma  Mater,  at  thy  call  we  come, 
As  children  gather  in  beloved  home 
When  evening  shadows  fall  along  the 

land; 

Thy  sons  and  daughters,  we,  a  broken  band, 
And  journeying  from  far  with  weary  feet 
And  dust-soiled,  tattered  garments,  greet 
Thee  once  again ;  and  in  our  hearts  we  hold 
Thy  name  as  precious  as  in  days  of  old. 

In  all  the  walks  of  life,  thy  fostering  care 
Has  followed  us.     Unfailing  help  to  bear 
Our  burdens  thou  hast  given.     And  thy  light 
Its  radiance  has  poured  upon  our  sight. 
Blest  be  the  golden  ties  that  bind  us  here ! 
We  lift  the  veil  of  years,  behold,  appear 
Heart-treasured  scenes;     and  we  are  young 

again, 
Our  vision  bounded  by  youth's  joyous  ken. 


24  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

Life's  architects,  we  build  upon  the  past; 
And  though  each  deed  be  nobler  than  the  last, 
Though  life  enlarge  its  avenues  of  good 
And  break  the  fetters  of  its  servitude, 
The   past   remains   unchanged;    the   fleeting 

years 

Have  formed  an  adamantine  arch  of  tears 
And  treasured  joys,  commingled  by  the  Hand 
That  rules  eternally  on  sea  and  land. 

Within  our  heart  of  hearts  deep-seated  live 
Those  tender  memories  that  ever  give 
The  past  its  roseate  splendor  and  its  sacred- 
ness, 

And  that,  like  holy  benedictions,  bless 
The  pilgrim  soul.     The  milestones  on  our  way 
Show  clear,  like  mountain  peaks  at  dawn  of 

day, 

Along  the  vale  of  time.     From  morning  lands 
Of  youth  the  rainbow  of  our  hope  expands. 

Dear  mother  of  our  wayward  years,  we  bring 
Thee  offerings  today ;  thy  praise  we  sing, 
Accept  the  imperfect  lay ;  receive  our  love, 
And  let  its  fullness  our  affection  prove. 


POEM  25 

Three    hundred    years    ago,    the    Pilgrims, 

staunch 

Of  heart  and  true  of  soul,  did  boldly  launch 
Upon  the  deep ;  by  day  and  night  God's  hand 
Cared  for  them,  till  they  reached  the  sunset 

land, 

Where  liberty  was  vital  in  the  breeze, 
And  peace  eternal  wedded  shores  and  seas. 
The  shore  their  altar,  thanks  and  praise  they 

gave 
To  Him   who  stilled  the  storm  and  calmed 

the  wave. 

The  full-lifed  blood  in  Saxon  veins  that  run, 
Flowed  free  in  those  wrho  settled  Limington  ; 
Theirs  was  the  vigilance  which  never  slept 
While  treacherous  enemy  in  action  kept ; 
Theirs  was  the  same  well-grounded  hope,  the 

same 
Stern   faith,  that  crossed    the   seas;    and   at 

God's  name 

In  deepest  reverence  they  bowed  the  head, 
And  owned  the  Power  that  the  Pilgrims  led. 


26  OCCASIONAL  POEMS 

Beneath  their  sturdy  stroke  the  forest  fell ; 
And,  as  in  ancient  days  a  living  well 
Came  from  the  rock,  so  ministered  the  earth 
And  air  and  sky  to  them,  through  change  and 

dearth. 

In  clustered  hamlet  here  our  sires  abode  ; 
Here   built   this   century-favored    Church    of 

God, 

Within  whose  walls  today,  another  age, 
We  stand,  heirs  of  the  century's  heritage. 

Say  we  beyond  their  little  span  of  life 
They  could  not  see?  Forsooth,  a  future  rife 
With  good  scarce  yet  attained  by  us  they  saw, 
And  yielded  self  and  all  to  the  perfect  law. 
Beholding  how  the  light  of  Heaven  led, 
And  how  their  souls  the  bread  of  Heaven  fed, 
Our  fathers  built  the  old  Academy 
In  faith  and  hope,  trusting  in  time  to  be. 

Full  forty  years  the  Academy  has  stood 
Where  once  the  desert   frowned,  and  where 

dense  wood, 

Peopled  by  nature's  children,  extended  far. 
She  was  the  forest's  day-flower  and  night-star, 


POEM  27 

And  all  the  land  by  her  fair  name  was  graced. 
Among  the  sentient  hills,  like  jewel  placed 
In  setting  rare,  was  cradled  her  infancy, 
And  her  young  light  cast  on  eternity. 

With   what    expectant    hearts    her   children 

came, 
With  what  exultant  lips  they  breathed  her 

name, 

How  soft  their  footsteps  in  her  conscious  halls , 
How  sacred  from  disfiguring  hand  her  walls  ! 
What  visions  opened  to  their  wondering  eye, 
Of  grand  achievement  and  of  station  high, 
Of  rediscoveries  of  truths  long  lost, 
Of  cities  taken  and  of  oceans  crossed. 

How    zealously   employed    was   each   young 

mind 

In  seeking  knowledge  of  whatever  kind 
Seemed  best  to  enlarge  the  life  for  usefulness 
And  happiness,  and  the  willing  soul  to  bless 
With  foretastes  of  the  future,  or  with  visions 
Seen  by  men  of  old;  while  here  were  made 

decisions 


28  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

Which  changed  the  course  of  many  lives,  and 

brought 
Some  measure  of  the  success  for  which  youth 

wrought. 

All  freely  delved  in  mathematic  lore, 
And   uncouth    figures    scrawled    the   black- 
boards o'er ; 

Some  studied  nature ;  some  essayed  to  speak 
Their     thoughts,     as    best    they     could,     in 

' '  modern  ' '  Greek : 

The  ancient  Roman  walking  in  our  street, 
As  once  majestical  in  Rome,  might  meet 
With  youth  repeating,  Forsan  et  haec  olim 
Meminisse  ju-vabit. —  Then    was    the    future 
dim. 

And  strange  enough  it  well  would  seem,  if 

they 
Who  had   attained   such   knowledge   should 

delay 

To  lead  less  favored  youth  to  learning's  fount. 
So  pensive  maidens,  with  a  large  amount 
Of  halo  round  them,  taught  the  district  school. 


POEM  29 

Ofttimes  the  wielder  of  the  wooden  rule 
Was  some  young  Plato  from  the  Academy, 
And  none  so  wise,  so  eloquent  as  he. 

Another  picture  those  far  days  present, 
A  common  joy  which  to  our  duties  lent 
Its  cheering  influence  and  salient  power, 
From  overwork  beguiling  many  an  hour. 
A  common  life  was  ours,  youth's  genial  blood 
Ran  high ;  a  trivial  happening  moved  a  flood 
Of  mirth  among  us,  while  our  thoughts  had 

wings, 
And  flew  from  breast  to  breast,  aerial  things. 

While    traveling    learning's    road,    our    feet 

were  found 

On  many  other  roads  and  hills  around ; 
We  loitered  far  when  sunset  shadows  fell, 
Yet  sometimes  nearer  midnight's  mystic  spell. 
Beneath  the  arching  elm,  the  spreading  oak, 
The    murmuring    pine,    along    the    meadow 

brook, 

Familiar  paths  oft  led  us ;  and  we  knew 
No  cares  while  fast  away  the  bright  hours 

flew. 


30  OCCASIONAL    POEMS 

Was  ever  one  of  us  in  gayer  throng 

Than  that  which  joined  in  mirth  and  shout 
and  song  ? 

To  carve  our  names,  the  belfry  high  we 
climbed ; 

And  many  revelries,  though  oft  ill-timed, 

Were  held  within  and  round  the  Academy. 

At  exhibition  or  lyceum  we 

Came  trooping  out  in  force ;  the  ' '  pro- 
gramme" ended, 

Homeward  our  several  ways  we  slowly 
wended. 

Sometimes  on  Lobby's  mountain  at  sunrise, 
We  watched  the  rosy  morning  tint  the  skies ; 
Sometimes  upon  the  Saco  far  we  rowed. 
Where'er  we  were,  whatever  oats  we  sowed, 
Indelible  upon  our  hearts,  the  faces 
Of  beloved  friends  of  old  are  stamped ;  the 

places 

Familiar  to  us  then  we  remember  still, 
The  field,  the  wood,  the  valley,  and  the  hill. 


POEM  31 

Kind  teachers  guided  us  in  learning's  ways, 
And  precious  in  the  memories  of  those  days 
Shall  be  the  labors  of  their  loving  hearts. 
The  distance  which  has  intervened  imparts 
New  knowledge  of  their  unselfish  interest 
For  all  committed  to  their  care ;  how  best 
They  judged  in  matters  little  understood 
By  younger  heads,  who  mingled  wrong  and 
good. 

One  rich  in  noble,  lasting  service,  is 
With  us  today,  the  blessed  privilege  his 
To  look  upon  the  forty  years  now  gone 
As  part  of  his  own  life.     As  early  dawn 
To  full-orbed  da}7,  so  has  his  service  grown ; 
While  afternoon  and  evening  come  down, 
Upon  him  may  the  smile  of  Heaven  rest, 
And  love  be  his  from  hearts  whom  he  has 
blest. 


32  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 


IN    MEMORIAM. 

But  some  companions  of  those  happy  years 
Have  passed  beyond  earth's  labors,   doubts 

and  fears ; 

Ransomed,  in  their  eternal  home  they  dwell, 
And  their  message  conies  from  Heaven,  "All 

is  well." 
Though  gone   beyond   our  bourne  of  space 

and  time, 

They  leave  behind  the  light  of  deeds  sublime, 
Of  true  devotion,  and  of  love  and  prayer ; 
They  still  are  guardian  angels,  we  their  care. 

Some  died  in  arms  beneath  the  Southern  sun, 
And  some  in  childhood  homes  in  Limington ; 
Our  lives  were  interwoven,  but  the  call 
Came  first  to  them  ;  and  love  surmounting  all 
Binds   us   with    bonds   which    change   shall 

never  know. 

One  sweetly  sung  "The  Light  of  Long  Ago," 
But  she  has  joined  the  choir  invisible, 
And  all  have  learned  the  wisdom  of  God's 

will. 


f "POEM  33 

Yea,  broken  are  our  battle-ranks  of  life, 

But  not  alone  continue  we  the  strife  ; 

The  places  vacant  to  our  mortal  eyes 

Are  filled  with  ministering  spirits,  and  the 

skies 

Are  writ  with  messages  of  hope  supreme ; 
Our  beloved  are  not  dead,  'tis  we  that  dream  ! 
Life's  labors  crowned,  and  victors  in  the  fight, 
They  stand  by  us  immortal,  robed  in  light. 


What  learn  we  from  the  past,  dear  friends, 

today  ? 
What  is  the  truth  revealed  through  all  the 

way 

In  which  the  four  decades  have  led  us  on  ? 
What  have   we   forfeited?      What  have  we 

won? 
With  life,  to  mind  and  heart  comes  power  to 

grow; 
Our  lives  and  hearts  enlarge  from  what  we 

know; 

Knowledge,  divine,  a  gift  of  God  appears, 
And  we  are  richer  for  the  light  of  the  years. 


34  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

We  find  the  plant  predestined  in  the  seed, 
And  read  the  law  which  clothes  the  flowery 

mead; 

The  cause  of  beaut}7  in  the  clinging  vine 
Gives  majesty  unto  the  giant  pine ; 
The  softest  harmony  borne  on  the  breeze 
Is  one  with  the  stately  music  of  the  seas, 
The  Power  that  guides  the  bird  in  tireless 

flight, 
In  glory  keeps  the  unwasted  stars  of  night. 

The  Greek  sought  an  ideal  of  perfectness 
In  language,  art,  and  life  ;  and  nothing  less 
Than  this  has  given  him  place  in  history  ; 
The  Roman  justice  sought,  and  even  we 
Confess  the  wondrous  product  of  his  mind ; 
The  Hebrew  read  from  tables  God  consigned 
To  him  on  Sinai's  height. — Of  every  age 
The  richest  fruit  becomes  our  heritage. 

Our  minds  from  superstition  partly  freed, 
With  larger  thought,  as  present  time  brings 

need, 

We  have  lost  nothing  that  we  care  to  keep. 
Those  gain  the  most  who  toil  while  others 

sleep, 


POEM  35 

And    we   have   gained    some    truths    which 

knowledge  brings, 

Some  understanding  of  the  common  things 
Of  life  ;  rich  lessons  from  the  treasured  past, 
And  light  to  aid  us  while  our  days  shall  last. 

From  out  the  morn  of  time  come  radiant  beams 
Of  peace,  and  by  the  everlasting  streams 
Of  Goodness  man  has  had  his  dwelling-place, 
The  seal  of  I^ove  Supreme  upon  his  face. 
Before  his  conquering  faith  mountains  have 

moved, 

And  all  his  ways  his  sacred  mission  proved  ; 
And  evermore  omnipotence  is  given 
To   him,    the    king    of    earth,    the    child    of 

Heaven. 

Beloved  friends,  with  joy  we  meet,  renew 
The  ties  of  youth,  and  prove  our  hearts  still 

true; 
While  hand  is  clasping  hand,  eye  greeting 

eye, 
Backward  the  sun  returneth  in  our  sky. 


36  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

A  larger  growth  has  come  upon  us,  yet 

The  past  lives  still.     A  flag  we  unfurl,  O  let 

It  symbolize  our  great  inheritance  ; 

And  let  the  old-time  faith  be  our  defense. 


Dear  L,imington,  embowered  in  fair  hills, 
Be  thou  protected  by  that  God  who  fills 
Our  cup  with   gladness   and  our  lives  with 

hope  ; 

O  Mother  of  our  past,  bright  vistas  ope 
For  thee,  whose  name   is   still   a   cherished 

word; 

Long  may  thy  bell  beyond  the  hills  be  heard. 
O  sacred  I/ight  of  Years,  shine  on  us  when 
We  part,  be  with  us  till  we  meet  again. 


CLASS  ODE  37 


IX. 

CLASS   ODE. 

Dartmouth  College,  Tuesday,  June  25,  1889. 
A  ir — Miriam . 

fE  gentle  shadows  fleeting 
Along  this  dear  hillside, 

And  mellow  twilight  greeting 
With  peace  these  valleys  wide, 
While  all  of  nature's  gladness 

Dies  soft  in  evening  calm, 
Upon  our  day  of  sadness 
Bestow  your  healing  balm. 

Our  hearts,  with  memories  filling, 

Would  hold  the  flying  years ; 
Yet  heed  they  not  our  willing, 

And  joy  is  lost  in  tears. 
But  light  shall  go  before  us, 

Effulgent  from  these  days ; 
And  friendship's  star  beam  o'er  us 

To  bless  our  future  ways. 


38  OCCASIONAL    POEMS 

Farewell,  sweet  village,  nestled 

Above  yon  silver  stream  ; 
Farewell,  ye  battles,  wrestled 

And  gone  like  summer  dream. 
And,  evermore  abiding, 

Thy  vigil  keep,  Old  Pine  ; — 
O  God,  to  thee,  confiding, 

Entrust  we  Eighty-Nine. 


CENTENNIAL  ODE  39 


x. 

CENTENNIAL   ODE. 

1789—1889. 

At  the  Anniversary  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
Limington,  Maine,  Tuesday  Eve.,  Oct.  15. 


God,  from  out  thy  love, 
jpl         A  hundred  years  have  sped, 

And  safely  to  their  seats  above 
Our  fathers  thou  hast  led. 

A  chosen  people  surely  came, 

And  built  by  vale  and  hill  ; 
While  thou  didst  guide  in  cloud  and  flame, 

To  work  thine  own  good  will. 

We  follow  where  our  fathers  trod, 

Ity  the  same  streams  of  grace, 
Hosanna  to  our  father's  God, 

And  to  the  Prince  of  Peace. 


40  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

To  the  great  Shepherd  of  his  sheep, 

Immortal  praises  sing ; 
Echo  the  song  from  deep  to  deep, 

Crown  him  Eternal  King. 

Almighty  God  of  Righteousness, 
Whose  blood  for  us  was  spilt, 

Preserve,  while  still  the  centuries  pass, 
Our  church  in  Zion  built. 


SONG  41 


XI. 

SONG. 

Bates  College,  Lewiston,  Maine,  March,  1896. 
Tune — "Fair  Harvard." 

I. 

fGEM  of  our  city  and  pride  of  our  hearts, 
Dear  Bates,  that  hast  never  a  peer, 
Thy   praises   we   sing   and   thy   glory 

proclaim 

With  every  crowning  year. 
Here  bluest  the  skies  and  greenest  the  earth, 

And  brightest  the  sunlight  falls 
On  the  brave  and  the  fair  who  are  chosen  by 

thee 
To  dwell  in  thy  storied  halls. 

CHORUS. 

Then,  comrades,  we  pledge  heart  and  hand 

to  dear  Bates, 
For  Bates  is  the  college  that  wins  ; 


42  OCCASIONAL   POEMS 

In  brawn  and  in  brain  in  the  old   State  of 

Maine 
Dear  Bates  is  the  college  that  wins  ! 

ii. 

In  contest  of  strength  ever  foremost  thy  sons 

'Neath  the  talisman  of  thy  name, 
And  many  a  well-fought  battle  attests 

The  ascendancy  of  thy  fame. 
Let  others  have  numbers  or  power  or  wealth, 

Yet  ours  is  the  college  that  wins  ; 
In  brawn  and  in  brain  in  the  old  State  of 
Maine 

Dear  Bates  is  the  college  that  wins ! 

CHORUS. 

III. 

The   strongest   thy   sons  and   thy  daughters 

most  fair, 

True  hearts  in  us  all  are  thine  own ; 
In    these   halcyon  days,   in   these  privileged 

ways, 

We  are  reaping  what  others  have  sown. 
The  past  is  assured,  and  with  joy  and  with 
song 


SONG  43 

The  present  forever  is  rife  ; 
And   those  who  come  after  shall  honor  old 

Bates 
By  the  highest  and  holiest  life. 


CHORUS. 


IV. 


The  guardianship  of  our  lives  hast  thou, 

Dear  College  of  happiest  days, 
O  let  the  bright  beams  of  thy  glorious  light 

Shine  ever  upon  our  ways  ; 
And  when  we  are  old  above  silver  or  gold 

We  will  treasure  thy  classic  lore, 
And  thy  name  on  the  scroll  that  the  years 
shall  unroll 

Shall  be  fairest  forevermore. 

CHORUS. 


SUCH    AS   THEY   ARE 


XII. 
YE    EVERLASTING    HILLS. 

§IFT  up  your  heads,  ye  everlasting  hills, 
What  glory  of  the  past  your  silence  fills ! 
Along   your    peaks    a    startled,    gazing 

world 

Beheld  the  smoke  of  Freedom's  battle  whirled, 
Beheld,     'neath     Heaven's     smile     her    flag 
unfurled. 

With  lurid  beams,  the  beacon  lights  of  war 
Have  roused  a  nation  to  support  God's  law ; 
From  mountain   side  to  mountain  side  have 

rung 

Paeans  of  victory,  by  freemen  sung, 
Like    chimes   from    bells    by   the    immortals 

swung. 

In  cloudy  pillar,  flaming  column,  moved 
The    Guidance    that     our     land's    salvation 
proved  ; 


48  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 

Upon  yon  heights  how  oft  have  prophets  trod, 
In  living  hearts  received  the  word  of  God, 
And  spread,  with  tongues  of  fire,  that  word 
abroad. 

Inspired  bards  their  noblest  lays  have  found 
Here,  where  we  tread ;    and  this  is  hallowed 

ground, 

For  patriot  blood  has  dyed  the  soil ;  and  we 
Receive  the  heritage  of  liberty  : 
Honor  and  fame  to  those  who  made  us  free. 

And    whether    white    with    winter's  robe  of 

snow, 

Or  green  and  gold  with  nature's  fairest  glow, 
Ye  everlasting  hills,  praise  Him  who  gave 
The  country  that  our  fathers  died  to  save  ; 
O  God,  unsullied  may  her  flag  e'er  wave. 


LAND  OF  THE  FREE  49 


XIII. 
LAND   OF   THE   FREE. 

tOXOR  to  those  bold  pioneers 
Whose  noble  lives  adown  the  years, 
From  gloom  of  superstition's  night, 
Upon  our  daily  paths  cast  light. 

In  England  where  oppression's  heel 
Was  set  to  crush  the  truth  hearts  feel, 
Men  left  their  homes  by  vale  and  steep, 
And  braved  the  perils  of  the  deep. 

Not  any  danger  of  the  sea 
Could  lessen  dread  of  tyranny, 
Or  dim  the  faith  that  saw  afar, 
As  men  of  old,  their  guiding  star. 

Whene'er  they  slept,  where'er  they  turned, 
Within  their  hearts  the  altar  burned 
Of  Him  who  brought  them  on  to  thee, 
O  fair  and  blest  Land  of  the  Free. 


50  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 

Was  never  yet  more  sacred  flood 
In  veins  of  men  than  Pilgrim  blood; 
Was  never  richer  heritage 
Than  thine,  O  Country,  from  this  age. 

"  When  war  has  poured  its  crimson  tide 
On  smiling  vale  and  mountain  side, 
Such  blood  has  spent  itself  for  thee, 
O  fair  and  blest  Land  of  the  Free. 

Within  thy  sentient  soil  they  rest 
Who  died  for  thee  in  East  or  West, 
Or  North  or  South ;  magnolia  bloom 
Above  them  sheds  its  sweet  perfume, 

And  waving  pines  sing  requiem, 
While  the  green  turf  that  covers  them 
Is  kissed  by  summer  winds.     And  love 
Keeps  guard  the  cherished  dead  above. 

With  reverent  step  and  low-bowed  head, 
Bring  flowers  for  the  sainted  dead ; 
Dear  is  our  blood-bought  liberty, 
O  fair  and  blest  Land  of  the  Free. 


A  STORY  OF  THE  REVOLUTION       51 


XIV. 
A   STORY   OF    THE    REVOLUTION. 

§  STALWART  youth  and  maiden  fair, 
With     clasped     hands     were    standing 

where 

In  childhood's  morn  they  made  their  tryst, 
And  Nature  hushed  her  voice  to  list. 

"Dear  Catherine,  there's  work  this  night 
For  loyal  men  to  guard  yon  height, 
Breed's  Hill ;  comes  on  the  dark  storm-cloud 
And  England's  threats  are  fierce  and  loud. 

"  Not  days,  but  years  may  pass  before 
Our  homes  shall  be  at  peace  once  more, 
And  I  can  claim  thee  for  my  bride ; 
My  faith  to  thee  shall  be  my  guide. 

"  No  coward  hearts,  no  shrinking  souls 
Have  we  when  near  the  battle  rolls  ; 
My  country  calls  and  finds  me  true, 
Truer  to  her  from  loving  you." 


52  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 

A  tear,  a  prayer  for  Heaven's  grace, 
A  lingering  kiss,  a  close  embrace; — 
The  shadows  gather  'neath  the  hill, 
The  evening  star  shines  cold  and  still. 


Day's  glowing  orb  had  well  begun 

His  course,  when  there  came  hastening  on 

A  rider  toward  his  lady's  home; 

His  raven  steed  was  flecked  with  foam. 

His  sword  and  amulets  of  gold 

The  rider's  high  position  told, 

The  glance  that  from  his  blue  eye  shone 

Bore  witness  of  a  victory  won. 

His  heart  beat  loud  within  his  breast, 
His  valiant  steed  he  forward  pressed ; 
He  saw  his  loved  one  come  afar, 
To  welcome  him  returned  from  war. 

He  stood  beside  his  Catherine, 
Grown  womanly  in  face  and  mien ; — 
On  battle-scarred  and  vigil-spent 
Kind  Heaven  benediction  sent. 


SWEET  PEAS  53 


XV. 

SWEET   PEAS. 

fUCH  odors  must  have  risen 
In  other  days  upon 
Mount  Helicon ; 
Such  odors  must  imprison 
The  nectar-laden  cup 
The  gods  drain  up. 

And  are  your  green  vines  planted 
Beneath  the  summer  skies 

Where  ever  rise 
Those  fabled  isles  enchanted, 
The  Islands  of  the  Blest 
In  the  far  West  ? 

Fair  flowers,  richly  blooming, 
Until  before  the  frost 

Your  life  is  lost ; 
Nor  cold  nor  heat's  consuming 
Can  ever  take  from  me 
Your  memory. 


54  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XVI. 
A   SONG. 

J'Tf  HE  music  passed  upon  the  breath  of  night  ; 

<^4/     But  when  on  crest  and  crag  and  silver  sea 

Where  blazoned  golden  tints  of  morning 

light, 

A  sad,  sweet  harmony  remained  with  me; 
As  when  remains,  from  lark  in  rapid  flight, 
One  note  that  melts  the  soul  to  melody. 

I  walked  upon  the  beach  at  eventide, 

And  vesper  bells  were  chiming  far  away; 
The  gentle  heaving  of  the  waters  wide 

Was  like  to  that  within   my  breast;    but 

they, 

Meseemed,  my  hope  and  strong  desire  defied, 
And  with  their   rolling  deeps  cut  off  my 
way. 

Yet  she  that  sung  the  song  of  yestereve, 
And  poured  with  trembling  accent,  her  full 
heart 


A  SONG  55 

Upon  the  raptured  air,  O  waves  believe, 
Is  true,  is  true ;  nor  ocean  deep  can  part 

Our  lives,  nor  hopes  allure,  nor  fears  deceive: 
Relentless  Fate,  all  powerless  thou  art. 


56  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XVII. 
SIR    GALAHAD. 

fIR  Galahad,  I  meet  thee 
Upon  thy  Holy  Quest, 
Sir  Galahad,  I  greet  thee 
As  one  greets  royal  guest. 

What  mean  those  eagle  glances 
That  pierce  as  stars  the  night, 

And  flash  like  sheen  of  lances 

On  field  where  knight  meets  knight  ? 

Thou  ridest  in  the  manner 
Of  some  brave  knight  of  old, 

Beneath  whose  flaunting  banner 
Were  mailed  warriors  bold. 

But  thou  alone,  undaunted, 

Goest  with  eager  mien, 
Thee  and  a  land  enchanted 

Only  a  veil  between. 


57 


At  crypt  and  shrine  while  bending 
With  meek,  averted  face, 

Thy  soul  in  prayer  ascending 
O'er-passes  time  and  space. 

The  years  flit  by ;  thou  nearest 
Thy  heart's  great  wish,  dost  see 

The  Holy  Grail,  and  hearest, 
"O  Galahad,  follow  me." 

O  follow  on,  immortal, 

Till  One  thy  feet  shall  bring 

Within  fair  Heaven's  portal, 

And  there  shall  crown  thee  king. 


SL'CH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XVIII. 
HILLS   OF    HIRAM. 

Jp^ILLS  of  Hiram,  upward  lifting, 
|i|/     Gleaming  with  a  thousand  glories 

In  the  golden  sun  of  morning, 
Traversed  by  a  thousand  shadows 
In  the  softer  lights  of  even ; 
Are  ye  sentient  of  the  sunlight, 
Are  ye  conscious  of  the  shadow, 
Throbs  your  great  heart  to  the  wave  beat 
Ceaseless  on  the  ocean's  margin? 

From  the  bosom  of  the  Atlantic 
Years  untold  the  sun  hath  risen, 
Casting  crimson  on  your  high  crests ; 
At  his  coming  mists  have  vanished, 
Like  the  dreams  of  softest  slumber 
When  the  daylight  calls  to  action, 
Like  the  shadow  on  the  child's  face 
When  the  mother's  kiss  is  given. 


59 


Hills  of  Hiram,  glorious,  golden, 
Castles  reared  in  childish  fancy, 
Years  agone,  with  you  compare  not ! 
I  would  lay  me  on  your  summits, 
Fanned  by  breezes  out  of  heaven, 
Breathed  upon  by  purple  vapors, 
\V rapped  in  odors  of  the  forest, 
Lulled  to  rest  by  softest  music 
Borne  up  from  the  aged  ocean. 

Such  the  peace  the  gods  imparted 
On  some  far  Hesperian  isle  or 
Sunlit  clime  of  storied  aeon. 


60  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XIX. 
QUECHEE. 

fHROUGH  green-vestured  valleys  I  rode, 
Or  followed  where  White  River  flowed, 
Whose  ribbon  of  silver  was  lost 
In  far  mazes ;  or  sometimes  I  crossed 

Over  hills  that  ascended  to  heaven ; 
Till,  almost  in  the  shadows  of  even, 
By  Quechee's  wild  torrent  I  stood, 
Above  the  swift  stream  in  the  wood. 

At  Quechee  at  even  I  stood ; 
Soft  shadows  on  stream  and  in  wood 
A  dream-picture  of  fairyland  made, 
In  infinite  beauty  arrayed. 

Up  the  cliff  which  the  fair  river  laves 
Rose  the  song  of  the  on-rushing  waves, 
And  the  echo  returned  from  the  steep 
In  cadence  majestic  and  deep. 


QUECHEE  6 1 

There  was  gold  upon  hilltop,  and  gray 
Of  night  upon  vale ;   and  the  day, 
Richly  lived  and  departing,  like  priest 
Benedicite  breathed  as  it  ceased. 

Ebon  empress  of  earth,  the  still  night 
Hung  her  stars  in  the  sky,  and  their  light 
In  a  myriad  lustrous  lines  fell 
On  the  river,  the  road,  and  the  dell. 

Oh,  ye  stars  e'er  unwearied,  unwasted, 
That  have  seen,  and  have  silently  hasted 
Man's  joy  in  its  coming,  pour  your  light 
On  my  pathway  and  heart  through  the  night. 


NOTE  : — Quechee   Gulf,   where   is  a  beautiful   waterfall,   in 
Quechee  River,  Vermont. 


62  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XX. 

MAIDEN,    TELL   ME. 

jjAIDEN,  tell  me  what  thou  keepest 
Shut  within  thy  silent  heart, 
In  its  memory-hallowed  chambers, 
Closely  curtained,  set  apart. 

Ask  me  not  to  tell  the  story 
Of  the  light  of  years  gone  by, 
Of  the  love  so  early  blighted 
When  my  hopes  were  builded  high. 

Once  there  came  a  princely  suitor, 
Seeking  for  my  heart  and  hand, 
Noble-souled  and  young  and  manly, 
None  were  like  him  in  the  land. 

When  I  whispered  yes,  my  lover 
Sealed  the  pledge  upon  my  lips, 
Told  of  castles  he  was  building 
And  of  treasure-laden  ships. 


MAIDEN,    TELL  ME 

Then  he  sailed  across  the  ocean, 
Promising  to  come  again ; 
But  his  bark  was  never  anchored, 
I  have  waited — and  in  vain. 


64  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XXI. 
TO  A   ROBIN. 

,  O  happy  bird  that  singest 
While  yet  the  garments  of  the  night 

Are  scarce  withdrawn, 
That  fearlessly  through  shadow  wingest 
Ere  yet  the  tide  of  morning  light 

Hath  overspread  the  lawn. 

Thou  see'st  the  tender  glow  outpouring, 
With  golden  touch,  upon  the  hills; 

After  sweet  rest, 

And  lingering  not  the  light,  but  soaring, 
Thou  sing'st  the  gladness  out  that  fills 

Thy  palpitating  breast. 

Why  comest  thou  again,  repeating 
Thy  merry  note  my  window  nigh, 

This  springtime  dawn  ? 
My  heart,  with  common  duties  beating, 
Responds  to  the  awaking  of  the  sky 

With  thine  upon  the  lawn. 


TO  A  ROBIN  65 

Methinks  the  message  that  them  bearest 
Is  not  of  far  or  future  states 

Where  blessings  throng ; 
It  is  of  joy  that  for  thee  fairest 
Open  the  morning's  crimson  gates 

And  thou  hast  the  gift  of  song. 


66  SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


XXII. 

A    PICTURE. 

§  RIGHT  beams  of  the  morning 
Are  glinting  the  hills, 
And  the  music  of  nature 
With  melody  fills 

The  dew-spangled  blades  of  the  grass, 
E'en  the  blades  of  the  dew-spangled  grass; 
And  the  heart  of  each  creature 
Doth  welcome  the  morn, 
From  the  night  newly  born. 

Two  children  are  playing 

The  flowers  among, 

And  the  joy  of  their  bosoms 

Bursts  loud  into  song ; 

Their  wee  heads  are  tossing  with  gold, 

Their  curly  heads  tossing  with  gold : 

And  with  pledges  of  childhood 

They  vow  to  be  true, 

But,  ah  me !  if  they  knew ! 


HYACINTHS  67 

XXIII. 

HYACINTHS. 

"The  man  that  has  two  loaves  of  bread   should  sell  one  and 
buy  hyacinths,  for  they  would  feed  his  soul." 

Eastern  Proverb. 

fHE  Eastern  proverb  well  hath  said 
That  he  who  owns  two  loaves  of  bread 
The  one  should  sell,  and  therewith  buy 
Hyacinths  lest  his  soul  should  die. 

All  flowers  that  grace  the  gray  old  earth, 
And  smile  at  the  sun  since  time  had  birth, 
Hyacinths,  lilies,  and  roses,  feed 
The  soul  of  man  in  its  great  need. 

The  sunset  on  the  western  hills, 
The  rushes  by  the  meadow  rills, 
Flight  of  the  bird,  wave  of  the  sea, 
A  thousand  glories  are  for  me. 

For  me  the  clouds  are  tinged  with  gold, 
And  earth  has  beauties  manifold ; 
For  me  the  crystal  sheds  its  light, 
And  shines  the  returning  star  of  night. 


68 


SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


Of  Nature's  self  I  am  a  part, 

And  nestle  near  her  throbbing  heart ; 

Receiving  at  her  ancient  hands 

Rich  draughts  of  life  my  soul  expands. 


THE  RELIGIOUS  TEACHER  69 


XXIV. 

THE   RELIGIOUS  TEACHER. 

fHE  world  pursues  its  wonted  way, 
Seeks  raiment,  shelter,  food,  today, 
And  builds  for  time  with  wood  and  stone, 
The  soul's  high  destiny  unknown. 

Now  here,  now  there,  a  prophet  stands, 
And  points  the  way  with  holy  hands 
Where  men  must  climb  to  walk  with  God 
Those  paths  the  saints  of  earth  have  trod. 

Rich  heritage  the  past  hath  lent, 

The  lives  of  those  whom  God  hath  sent 

To  lead  his  people  up  to  Him 

When  hearts  were  faint  and  eyes  were  dim. 

Inspired  power,  gift  of  grace, 
Oh  make  in  me  thy  dwelling  place ! 
Savior  of  men,  thy  strength  impart, 
Make  me  the  apostle  of  some  heart. 


70  SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


XXV. 
SLEEP. 

y     o'er  yon  mountain's  crown 
|ug£-i|     A  sea  of  crimson  lies, 

Silent  and  softly  down 
Night  cometh  from  the  skies. 

There  cometh  in  her  train 
Sweet  sleep  of  tender  grace. 

Come,  balm  of  work  and  pain, 
O  sleep  of  healing  grace. 

Soft  wave  thy  silken  wand 

Above  my  weary  eyes ; 
Protect,  like  mother  fond 

When  evening  stars  arise. 

Shut  out  the  toil  of  day, 

Shut  out  the  spectred  night ; 

To  my  couch  admit  no  ray 
Of  peace-dispelling  light. 


SLEEP  71 


And  if  come  dream  or  vision, 
May  it  bear  heavenward ; 

Such  be  my  rest  elysian, 
While  kindly  spirits  guard. 


72  SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


XXVI. 

TIME. 

§AYS  have  left  us, 
And  bereft  us 
Of  dear  friends  and  bitter  foes. 

Days  are  with  us, 
Moments  give  us 
Pleasures  sweet  as  on  life  goes. 

Days  are  coming, 

Moments,  summing 

Soon  our  share  of  joys  and  woes. 

Youth,  life's  morning 

Self-ad6rning, 

Time's  deep  impress  does  not  show. 

Life  is  fleeting, 

Strong  hearts  beating 

Soon  will  pass  through  weal  and  woe. 


73 


Age  is  showing 

Fruit  that's  growing 

From  the  seed  sown  long  ago. 


74  SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


XXVII. 
IDEALITY. 

!N  truth  that  vision  of  the  things  that  are, 
Though  not  encompassed  by  the  eye  of 

man, 
Nor  bodied  forth  in  forms  or  near  or  far, 

Hath  its  reality  within  ;  nor  can 
The  toil  of  life  obliterate  or  mar 

The  perfect  beauty  of  the  heaven-laid  plan. 


EMERSON  75 


XXVIII. 
EMERSON. 

fHOU  prophet,  singer,  utterer,  and  seer, 
Calm  optimist,  superior  to  fear ; 
Oh  let  thy  honeyed  lips  speak  on  and  on  ; 
With  artist  touch  paint  an  elysian  Dawn 
In  colors  never  yet  on  sea  or  land, 
For  thine  the  poet's  soul,  the  artist's  hand. 


76  SUCH  AS   THEY  ARE 


XXIX. 

GOD'S   ANGEL   HATH   PASSED    BY. 

fOW  the  head,  God's  angel 
Hath  come  near  us  in  the  night ; 
Speak  softly,  for  a  loved  one 
Hath  gone  onward  to  the  light. 

Upon  our  souls  deep  sorrow, 

As  tempest  after  calm ; 
"Has  the  night  of  death  no  morrow ? ' ' 
O  faith,  bestow  thy  balm. 

O  thou  who  shared  our  gladness 
In  days  that  scarce  are  fled, 

The  silence  and  the  sadness 
Within  us  call  thee  dead. 

Where  on  the  hills  and  valleys 
The  sun  pours  golden  sheen, 

Where  for  young  hearts  time  dallies, 
Our  wandering  feet  have  been. 


COD'S  ANGEL   HATH  PASSED  BY    77 

Thou  stood'st,  with  heart  enchanted, 

Within  life's  morning  glow; 
Thou  saw'st,  with  heart  undaunted, 

L,ife's  crosses,  cares,  and  woe. 

With  God,  the  soul's  Defender, 

In  mansions  of  the  blest, 
With  Christ,  the  loving,  tender, 

Thou  hast  attained  sweet  rest. 

When  evening  shadows  darken, 

As  in  the  days  gone  by 
Thy  voice  and  step  we  hearken, 

And  feel  thy  presence  nigh. 

Bow  the  head,  God's  angel 

Hath  visited  our  night ; 
Speak  softly,  for  a  dear  one 

Hath  before  us  reached  the  light. 


78  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XXX. 

INVOCATION. 
Tune— The  Lost  Chord. 

|ERCIFUL  God,  our  Father, 
Before  thy  throne  we  pray ; 
Bestow  thy  richest  favor, 
Crowning  with  peace  the  day. 

We  enter  thy  courts  while  angels 
With  harps  and  with  viols  sing, 

And  humbly  before  thy  presence 
Hail  thee  as  Eternal  King. 

And  infinite  peace  descending, 

Ivike  the  smile  of  ImmanuePs  face, 

Shall  our  fevered  spirit  comfort, 
Filling  all  this  holy  place. 

Here  waiting  hearts  meet  their  longing, 

And  glorified  visions  ope ; 
Here  healing  is  found  for  the  leper 

And  balm  for  life's  broken  hope. 


IN 'V 'OCA  TION  79 

The  light  of  eternal  sunshine 

Beams  brightest  and  fairest  here, 

And  streams  of  unlimited  mercy 
For  the  thirsting  soul  appear. 

Within  thy  love  enfold  us, 

O  God  of  the  endless  years  ; 
And  evermore  uphold  us, 

Dispelling  doubts  and  fears. 

From  mountain  and  plain  and  ocean, 

From  all  the  starry  train, 
Thy  praises  ring,  and  Heaven 

Giveth  answer  loud,  Amen. 


8o  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 


XXXI. 

WORSHIP. 

«L,ORD,  within  thy  temple  we 
Uplift  our  souls  in  ardent  praise 
Unto  the  throne  of  Majesty 
For  all  the  riches  of  our  days. 

Though  long  and  dark  and  drear  the  way, 
And  faint  our  hearts  in  helplessness, 

Thy  kindly  light  with  cheering  ray, 
Goeth  before  to  guide  and  bless. 

Receive  our  worship  now,  O  God, 
Nor  hide  thine  arm,  nor  veil  thy  face, 

Oh !  make  our  hearts  thy  blest  abode, 
Sufficient  for  our  needs  thy  grace. 

From  mount  and  sea  glad  paeans  ring ; 

From  forest  deep,  from  desert  far, 
All  creatures  adoration  bring 

To  Him  who  guides  the  sun  and  star. 


VESPERS  81 


XXXII. 

VESPERS. 

fOFTLY  the  daylight  dies 
Far  in  the  west, 
Tranquil  all  nature  lies, 
Bathed  in  rest ; 
Welcome,  sweet  hour  of  peace, 

Calming  each  heart ; 
O  give  our  souls  release, 
Blessing  impart. 

Bringeth  the  eventide, 
O'er  hill  and  valley  wide, 
Tribute  to  God. 

Kindly  your  vigils  keep, 

Angels  of  light, 
Peaceful  shall  be  our  sleep 

Through  the  long  night ; 
Watch  o'er  us  lovingly, 


82  SUCH  AS  THEY  ARE 

Father  above, 
Shield  us  most  tenderty, 
Thou  whom  we  love. 
Bring  we  at  eventime, 
Gladly  at  eventime, 
Tribute  to  God. 


FROM   THE   GERMAN 


XXXIII. 

THE   SUN    I   QUESTIONED. 
From.  Emil  Rittershaus. 

sun  I  questioned:    "Tell  me,  what  is 

He  gave  no  answer,  only  golden  flame' 
I  asked  a  flower :   ' '  Tell  me,  what  is  love? ' ' 
She  gave  me  odors,  yet  no  answer  came. 

I  asked  the  Eternal :   ' '  Tell  me,  what  is  love  ? ' ' 
Deep  earnestness,  or  gentle  dallying?" 
Then  God  gave  me  a  wife,  a  true,  true  love; 
And  nevermore  wrill  I  the  question  bring. 


88  FROM  THE  GERMAN 


XXXIV. 

MIGNON. 
From,  Goethe. 

fNOW'ST  thou   the   land    in   which   the 
citron  blows, 
Where  in  dark   leaves  the  gold-tinged 

orange  glows? 

A  soft  wind  cometh  down  from  the  blue  sky, 
There  are  the  myrtle  still  and  laurel  high. 
Know'st  thou  it  well? 

O  there,  O  there 
Might  I  with  thee,  O  my  beloved,  fare! 

Know'st   thou    the   house?     It   stands    with 

pillars  tall, 

And  wondrous  beautiful  its  rooms  and  hall ; 
There  marble  statues,  gazing,  ask  of  me, 
What  woe  has  come,  thou  poor,  dear  child, 

to  thee  ? 
Know'st  thou  it  well? 

O  there,  O  there 
Might  I  with  thee,  O  my  defender,  fare ! 


MIGNON  89 

Know'st  thou  the   mount  enshrouded  night 

and  day 
In  clouds?     The  mule,  mist-blinded,  gropes 

his  way ; 

In  caverns  dwells  a  brood  of  dragons  old, 
And  plunging  floods  the  bursting  cliffs  enfold. 
Know'st  thou  it  well? 

O  there,  O  there 
Doth  lie  our  way !  O  father,  let  us  fare ! 


90  FROM   THE  GERMAN 


XXXV. 

HEART,    MY    HEART    BE    NOT    DOWNCAST. 
From  Heine. 

my  heart,  be  not  downcast, 
Bravely  meet  thy  destiny. 
What  the  winter  took  from  thee 
Springtime  surely  brings  at  last. 

Much  remaineth  ne'er  to  perish, 
And  the  world  how  fair  to  see ! 
And,  my  heart,  what  pleaseth  thee, 
That  unmeasured  thou  may'st  cherish. 


THE  STARS  OF  THE  NIGHT         91 


XXXVI. 

THE   STARS   OP  THE   NIGHT. 
From  Moritz  Arndt. 

fHE  sun  upon  his  mighty  journey  sped 
Around  the  world  ; 
"O  let  us  go  with  thee,"  the  little  stars 

said, 

"Around  the  world." 

And  stern  the  sun  replied :   ' '  Your  wish  with- 
hold! 

For  I  should  blind  your  little  eyes  of  gold 
When  on  my  fiery  course  around  the  world." 

The  stars  then  went  to  the  dear  moon,  and 

spake 

In  the  night : 

"O  thou  upon  the  clouds  enthroned,  take 
Us  by  night, 

Let  us  wander  with  thee,  for  thy  soft  light 
Outpouring  never  will  destroy  our  sight." 
And  she  took  them,  companions  of  the  night. 


92  FROM  THE  GERMAN 

Now  welcome,  stars,  and  moon,  beloved  queen, 

In  the  night ! 

Ye  know  what  in  my  heart  hath  ever  been 

In  the  night. 

Come  and  enkindle  all  your  heavenly  fires, 

That  I  may  joyously  meet  my  desires 

And  celebrate  the  revels  of  the  night. 


MY  HEART 


93 


XXXVII. 

MY    HEART. 

From  Heine. 


i;Y  heart  hath,  like  the  ocean, 
Its  storm  and  ebb  and  flow, 
And  many  a  lovely  jewel 
Within  its  depths  doth  glow. 


94  FROM   THE   GERMAN 


XXXVIII. 

THE    BROOKLET. 
From  Goethe. 

fHOU  brooklet,  silver-white  and  clear, 
That  wanderest  forever  near, 
I  question,  standing  by  thee  now, 
Whence  earnest,  and  where  goest  thou  ? 

"From  out  a  dark  rock's  lap  I  flow, 
O'er  flowers  and  moss  my  course  doth  go; 
Within  my  mirror  softly  lies 
The  image  of  the  friendly  skies. 

"  Therefore  have  I  joy  free  from  care ; 
My  course  is  on,  I  know  not  where ; 
He  who  from  out  the  stone  called  me, 
He,  trust  I,  will  my  leader  be." 


THE  HEART  95 


xxxix. 

THE    HEART. 
From  Seunian. 

fWO  chambers  has  the  heart, 
Wherein 
Dwell  Joy  and  Pain  apart. 

If  Joy  awake  in  one, 

Then  Pain 

In  the  other  slumbers  on. 

O  Joy,  do  thou  care  take ! 

Speak  softly 

That  Pain  may  not  awake  ! 


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